''Summertime is always the best of what might be''
Arundel Castle is located in West Sussex, an area I'm not hugely familiar with, however I love exploring new places and never more than when a positive experience is guaranteed. Every corner of the internet pointed to Arundel being an incredibly pleasant and welcoming area, so throw in a castle and I figured it was time for a day trip! Conveniently, parking was directly outside one of the entrances (and an ice cream stand where I may or may not have devoured a salted caramel ice cream), which made for an easy entrance.
Fascinatingly, the castle is still inhabited, making it one of the longest inhabited country houses in England. As you'll know from my Barcelona Travel Diary, I very much admire Gothic style architecture, making the three hours spent wandering through Arundel Castle a total pleasure, for the house was almost completely rebuilt in this style between the 1870s and 1890s. I really wish I could have taken photos within the castle however due to restrictions on that front, their online gallery will have to suffice!
Note: photography is not allowed inside the castle, however is welcomed throughout the extensive grounds.
After enjoying a (very generous) slab of cake at the castle's restaurant, next on the cards was to explore the gardens and surrounding smaller buildings. Key features include the English Herbaceous Borders (that include Delphiniums, Geraniums and Roses), The Tropical Glass House and the Fitzalan Chapel. Although the chapel building seems small from outside, upon entering you're immediately dwarfed by the sheer height of the building and elongated, elaborate stained glass windows. I got a definite 'holiday vibe' from my time spent in the Fitzalan chapel, as the hit of cold air after experiencing humidity outdoors reminded me of the many chapels and cathedrals visited in Europe over the years during warm, humid summers.
Blouse - H&M
Jeans - Topshop Tall Leigh Jeans
Sandals - Dune Finchy Sandals
Bag - Ralph Lauren
Necklace - John Greed
Arundel Castle is worth visiting for the walled gardens alone. With views of Arundel Cathedral towering above just metres away, it reminded me of when I visited the Christmas Markets in Koln last December and had the spectacular Cologne Cathedral (Dom) constantly in my peripheral vision! Interestingly, the Earl's Garden is a tribute to Thomas Howard 14th Earl of Arundel (1585 to 1646) and as far as tributes go, this one has to put all others to shame. There are water fountains, Italianate upper terraces covered in Tulips (my favourite flower!) and more terracotta pots than I can possibly remember. To put the beauty into perspective, I can tell you I only came across about four people who didn't have their cameras glued to their faces!
The three images directly below depict what is, in my opinion, the most beautiful area of Arundel Castle's grounds. There were scenes within the castle that were more elaborate and historical, however for me, nothing beats a 'summer scene'. The deep aqua colour of the water, the flashes of gold on the wooden vases and the explosion of colour provided by the flowers - it was heavenly!
With love,
Gabrielle x
That castle looks so pretty! I want to visit!
ReplyDeleteMelanie @ meandmr.com
You definitely should - you won't be disappointed!
DeleteGabrielle x
I went past Arundel castle a few summers ago when I had to head back to Germany. When I saw it I immediately wished I would have had more time to go and ever since, I so want to go but it is a bit of a long drive from the Cheltenham area (where I currently am). Your pictures are gorgeous and I love the green house picture the most. I'm happy to see you had fantastic weather to go explore this beautiful castle. Hope you're well and we'll speak soon.
ReplyDeleteCaz | Style Lingua
It's such a pity you didn't quite make it to Arundel Castle, perhaps you can swing by on your next visit to the area! Thanks so much for your kind words, the green house/glasshouse impressed me too, Carolin :)
DeleteGabrielle x
beautiful, I would love to visit
ReplyDeleteMimi & Chichi
I hope that you do at some point!
DeleteGabrielle x
Nice inspirations!!
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:)
DeleteGabrielle x
What a beautiful place, your photos are gorgeous! This really looks like a fantastic place to spend the day exploring. I would love to visit!
ReplyDeleteKeisha xo
www.chrysalisgals.blogspot.com
Thanks so much Keisha, I had a really lovely day there exploring the castle and grounds!
DeleteGabrielle x
What a beautiful place! I love exploring new places too :) If I had the money I'd traveling around the world right now :)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a fantastic idea, let me just pack my suitcase and i'll join you! ;)
DeleteGabrielle x
u look beautiful Honey! :) great photos and gret scenery! :)
ReplyDeletegreetings
VIVI:)
Vivienne Night Blog
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Thanks so much Vivienne!
DeleteGabrielle x
wow, I really your pictures ! xo
ReplyDeleteCan we follow eachother ? Let me know on my blog and I will follow back immediately xo
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Thanks Helena!
DeleteGabrielle x
aaah I actually went there once with my mom when we did a gardens and houses of south england tour haha.
ReplyDeletedresses-and-travels //@susandollparts
That's so great to hear - a tour of gardens and houses in the South England sounds incredible! :)
DeleteGabrielle x
how gorgeous. i'm a history freak when it comes to castles and even more if they have such amazing gardens around ! another place to add on my list to visit.
ReplyDeletexx from Italy
Cate ღ kate/idoscope | youtube
Oh you and me both, although I tend to be more interested in the gardens than the property.. depending on the weather, of course!
DeleteGabrielle x
This is such an incredible place, and is so breathtaking! I bet the inside was as gorgeous as it looks on the outside!! x
ReplyDelete| Life as a Petite || Fashion, Crafts & Lifestyle Blog |
I'm really pleased you think so too, Isabella! The architecture and design of the interior really was spectacular :)
DeleteGabrielle x
Cute and thank you so much for your support!! I deeply appreciate it ;)
ReplyDeleteMy Lyfe ; My Story
@MyLyfeMyStory
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That's no problem! Have a lovely weekend..
DeleteGabrielle x
Super pretty photos! I love them!
ReplyDeleteLove Emina
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Oh thanks Emina!
DeleteGabrielle x
Such a beautiful place. Love the pictures!
ReplyDeleteIt's certainly worth visiting, that's for sure!
DeleteGabrielle x
Oh my what stunning photos, you visit the best places :)
ReplyDeleteFlorals&Smiles
Twitter
That's so great to hear, glad you're enjoying my travel posts!
DeleteGabrielle x
Omg that is GORGEOUS!! Oh to be a princess and live in such a place!!
ReplyDeleteRenee | Lose The Road
That's a lovely idea.. time to find a frog to kiss! ;)
DeleteGabrielle x
WOWOWO!!! A CASTLE!!! AMAZZZZZZZZING!!!! You're a princess in it! Just LOVVVVE your blouse! kisses
ReplyDeletexoThe Beckerman Girls
www.BeckermanBlog.com
Haha I love your enthusiasm! Thanks so much girls, the blouse is by H&M!
DeleteGabrielle x
wow! that place looks incredible! such breath taking views! love it :)
ReplyDeleteLove Peace and Shimmer
The views really were spectacular, particularly from the castle!
DeleteGabrielle x
Oh wow, the quote is beautiful and an entirely perfect one for Arundel. Such gorgeous photos, too, I want to visit there one day!
ReplyDeleteMay x • THE MAYDEN • bloglovin'
So glad you think so May, I hope you find yourself wandering around this castle as well some time soon! :)
DeleteGabrielle x
The place looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely visit it
XO
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That's great to hear, I look forward to hearing what you think of it!
DeleteGabrielle x
Wonderful castle! The gardens are simply amazing!
ReplyDeletehttp://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr
They were a lovely surprise, that's for sure!
DeleteGabrielle x
Im in love with your photos - absolutely gorgeous!!!! Actually I just love your blog!! Everything about it is so elegant, so pretty! I love it!!!
ReplyDeleteOnly thing missing is a few chocolates haha! :)
Layla xx
www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk
This was such a heartwarming message to receive, thank you so much Layla! I'm so glad you're enjoying my blog :)
DeletePs. I'll endeavour to feature more chocolate on my blog haha
Gabrielle x
Beautiful photos! It looks like such a fun day out and the gardens are amazing! :) xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Nevena! It really did make for a wonderful day out in the sunshine..
DeleteGabrielle x
Love this! Have an awesome new week!
ReplyDeletekisses,
STYLEFORMANKIND.COM
:)
DeleteGabrielle x
OMg the place looks very beautiful! I have always wanted to go to the botanic garden in UK but I have no idea where T_T However, enjoy the weekend! xx
ReplyDeleteAh, there really are so many beautiful gardens/places in the UK, it's just a matter of finding the time to visit them all haha! :)
DeleteGabrielle x
Beautiful pictures :)
ReplyDeleteHannah x
Paloma in Disguise
Thanks!
DeleteGabrielle x
Amazing pics
ReplyDeleteWould you like to follow each other? I'll follow back after it.
Www.miharujulie.com
Thank you
DeleteGabrielle x
This looks like such a beautiful place, these are really pretty pictures :) xx
ReplyDeleteSammie | sammiephotography.blogspot.com
Thank you Sammie, I had my camera glued to me on this day haha :)
DeleteGabrielle x
such stunning pics!! beautiful post
ReplyDeleteThanks very much!
DeleteGabrielle x
That looks like the perfect place to be on a sunny and warm day.
ReplyDeleteLindaLibraLoca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
I couldn't agree with you more, the summer really was made for exploring places like this..
DeleteGabrielle x
wow,that placeis so beutiful
ReplyDeleteyou look great too
Oh thank you, sweet of you to say!
DeleteGabrielle x
love it :)
ReplyDeletekisses from dubai ♥
www.mahryska.com
:)
DeleteGabrielle x
Stunning pictures, this castle is amazing. *__*
ReplyDeleteHave a nice evening...
Castles have the potential to be SO fascinating!
DeleteGabrielle x
Just so gorgeous! It must be even prettier in person! Another place to get to someday
ReplyDeleteLeftbankgirl.blogspot.com
It really was breathtakingly beautiful in certain areas - oh yes, it's one for your list! :)
DeleteGabrielle x
I really like your photos, both caste and gardens are stunning and I'm sure that you spent amazing time on that trip, dear Gabrielle :)
ReplyDeletehttp://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/
That's so lovely to hear, thank you! I really did have a fantastic day..
DeleteGabrielle x
Wow! amazing scenery and You look cute Honey:)) I love Your hair:)
ReplyDeleteHaha thanks so much lovely!
DeleteGabrielle x
The cake sounds incredible. I feel like a castle is the perfect place for a nice piece of cake. I love these photos. Your hair is so long! :]
ReplyDelete// ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
That's a great point, from now on I shall never visit a castle again without indulging in a slice of cake! ;)
DeleteGabrielle x
Girl, you need your own Travel Channel show ;) Absolutely loving these pictures. Arundel Castle looks magnificent, and I'm sure it's much more breathtaking in person. I really wish I'd had more time to travel around England while I was abroad; sadly, I just stuck to London for the time being. Oh well, there's always next time right, hehe?
ReplyDeleteI'm also a big fan of Gothic architecture! The Gothic Quarter in Barcelona was stunning. Arundel is right up my alley!
So glad I discovered your lovely blog today Gabrielle! :-) Really excited for your upcoming posts and I can't wait to follow you on more adventures.
✖ RUNAWAY IN LA ✖
Haha that is quite possibly the greatest thing I've ever been told! Arundel Castle really is spectacular and I only wish I could have shared the castle's interior here as well - although yes, if you visit England again.. you can see it for yourself! :) It's great to hear someone else is a fan of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and thank you so much for your kind words, I'm so glad to have connected with you via blogging!
DeleteGabrielle x
These photographs are absolutely stunning! I love it!
ReplyDeleteConnie | Sponsored by Coffee | Bloglovin’
Thanks very much, Connie!
DeleteGabrielle x
omg!! the gardens are so beautiful!!! :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Animated Confessions
So pleased you think so too!
DeleteGabrielle x
what fun adventures! super fun pictures!
ReplyDeletekelseybang.com
Thanks Kelsey!
DeleteGabrielle x
Both the castle and the grounds look really spectacular. It's really fascinating that it is actually inhabited. What a lovely treat for you to be able to visit and tour around. Thanks for sharing the experience with us!
ReplyDeleteRowena @ rolala loves
It really is very interesting - I even spotted a bottle of Pantene shampoo tucked down the side of one of the grand baths haha! ;)
DeleteGabrielle x
Wow the gardens are just amazing! I can't imagine who could possibly live there???
ReplyDeleteCOOCOO FOR COCO
You can find out more on that front under the 'History' category of the castle's website!
DeleteGabrielle x
This is insanely gorgeous! Thanks for sharing. I definitely need to travel more
ReplyDelete~xo Jenn~
http://www.cranberrytantrums.com/
Travelling is always a good idea! ;)
DeleteGabrielle x
Love your casual chic style and the castle grounds are absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletePrudence
www.prudencepetitestyle.com
Oh thanks Prudence, that's lovely to be told!
DeleteGabrielle x
Holy crap wow! I would love to go here!
ReplyDeleteTegan xx - Permanent Procrastination
I really hope that you some day, Tegan!
DeleteGabrielle x
These pictures are so beautiful! I have never been to a castle before but I can imagine from your pictures that it would be a sight. Can you imagine living in that? It must be crazy!
ReplyDeleteOlivia | Her Name Was Celebration
Living in a castle would certainly be a dream come true for many.. although it may get a little eery at night!!
DeleteGabrielle x
Such a great place and really nice pictures! You look awesome :)
ReplyDeleteStay in Style
Karen @ Lookbook Store Blogspot
Thanks a million Karen, I really appreciate it!
DeleteGabrielle x
A wonderful princess in heaven :)))
ReplyDeleteHave a lovey week ahead!
xoxo
www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com
You're so sweet Elena, have a brilliant weekend!
DeleteGabrielle x
Yes, I would like to go here, it is marvellous. So perfect. They've done an amazing job with the gardens too!! Wonderful pictures my dear. Have a great week ahead xx
ReplyDeleteThey really have - there were so, so many gardeners pottering about keeping the gardens in tip-top condition! :)
DeleteGabrielle x
Oh my, that castle is stunning! This is one of the many reasons I love Europe, so much history and beautiful palaces and castles. x
ReplyDeletehttp://blackjeansblog.blogspot.com.au
Europe certainly does have a lot to offer on the history front!
DeleteGabrielle x
The castle and gardens are absolutely stunning!
ReplyDeleteI also love what your wearing too- those sandals are gorgeous.
I need to fly to England asap! ^_^
X
Anjelique
www.anjelique.com.au
Thanks very much Anjelique - I'm a sucker for perfect block heel sandals! ;)
DeleteGabrielle x
Wow that castle is seriously breathtaking. You're so lucky there are so many castles to explore in the UK :) Also I love your jeans and peasant blouse combo! Never stop wearing them xx
ReplyDeletewww.tongue-in-chic.com
I certainly do feel very lucky with regard to the amount of history waiting to be discovered/explored! Oh thank you, I probably wear the combo far too often haha :)
DeleteGabrielle x
Stunning photos dear!! Amazing place!!
ReplyDeletehttp://fashionwalkinbrussels.blogspot.com/
Thanks!
DeleteGabrielle x
Beautiful location!! It reminds me of my childhood when I was living in Bonn, Germany I used to see castles like these on high hilltops all the time whenever my family and I used to drive around <3
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thestylishbipolar.com
Your childhood sounds as though it was spent in a very beautiful location, you lucky thing Kylie!!
DeleteGabrielle x
It is absolutely majestic! The grounds are so vast! Gorgeous! I love the little fountains pouring water into the larger body of water. I bet it was tranquil, peaceful and it exhudes serenity. Thanks for sharing this with us Gabrielle.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.averysweetblog.com/
'Majestic' is the perfect word to describe Arundel Castle - everything was so beautiful there! It really was a very tranquil place to walk through and even though it was busy, it was wonderfully quiet at the same time :)
DeleteGabrielle x
The castle looks amazing! Nice clicks.
ReplyDeletexx
It's definitely worth visiting!
DeleteGabrielle x
This looks so incredible Gabrielle! It really doesn't look like England haha (yay-good weather :D) That architecture is beautiful and it's crazy that someone actually lives there! The gardens are spectacular and you are looking as lovely as ever in your peasant blouse :)
ReplyDeleteRachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
I know what you mean, sunshine isn't something you immediately associate with England ;) The architecture was spectacular and I can't tell you how much I wish I could have shared the interior design on my blog as well! Thanks very much Rachel, so sweet of you to say!
DeleteGabrielle x
This castle looks lovely! It reminds me of a castle I saw in Germany :)
ReplyDeleteSarah | sarahanne14.blogspot.com
That doesn't surprise me, Germany boasts so many fabulous castles!
DeleteGabrielle x
This place looks amazing! Absolutely breathtaking xx
ReplyDeletewww.alicelouisealk.com
Glad you think so too Alice!
DeleteGabrielle x
What a beautiful place. Looks so romantic, kinda out of a fairy tale book. Amazing pics. Love your outfit Gabrielle, the top is beautiful. I love your hair, girl, it's gorgeous!
ReplyDeletehugs
Lenya
FashionDreams&Lifestyle
Castles often tend to seem straight off the pages of a fairytale book, I know what you mean! Oh that's really lovely of you to say Lenya, thanks so much! :)
DeleteGabrielle x
Love this place. The castle and the town, everything. x
ReplyDeleteThat's great, thanks for letting me know!
DeleteGabrielle x
wow.. beautiful.
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteGabrielle x
Oh wow! I adore gothic architecture, these photos (as always) are stunning <3 xx
ReplyDeleteVanessaVonJames | Fashion Blog
It's nice to know someone else admired gothic architecture - it can be so fascinating!
DeleteGabrielle x
Fantastic post dear!
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DeleteGabrielle x
This place looks absolutely stunning, what gorgeous views and gardens! I love the stained glass windows too, so pretty and you look lovely as well! - Tasha
ReplyDeleteI love how you noticed the stained glass windows, they certainly are rather beautiful! Thank you so much for your compliment Natasha :)
DeleteGabrielle x
The gardens are way too gorgeous and this whole place looks and sounds way too magical! You make us want to visit so many cool spots that are out of reach ;)
ReplyDeletexx 365Hangers
Ah, that's been my plan all along - it's great to know it's working! ;)
DeleteGabrielle x
Amazing shooting darling! Lovely place! You're so beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteBaci,
Coco et La vie en rose - Valeria Arizzi
You're always so kind Coco, thank you lovely!
DeleteGabrielle x
What an amazing pictures, Gabrielle! They are all stunning! That place is magic, I would love to go there someday! Thank you so much for sharing, I love this kind of posts! xx
ReplyDeletehttp://alemint.blogspot.com/
Thanks ever so much María! You're very welcome, so pleased you've enjoyed this post!
DeleteGabrielle x
It looks like you had an amazing time, after of course devouring your salted carmel ice-cream, which is now having me craving ice-cream, so thanks for that! haha. This castle is definitely worth booking a trip to England - If only I could make a trip this summer. I have always wanted to visit England and hopefully I will one day when the time is right. I have always been so fascinated by castles and their amazing architecture and history. This castle is definitely worth a day of exploring gathered by this post and stunning photos! Have a great week Gabrielle:-).
ReplyDeleteHaha my apologies for prompting a salted caramel ice cream craving, Elizabeth! I hope you make your way to England some time soon and love it as much as you think you will :) It's always lovely to hear from you.. have a fantastic weekend
DeleteGabrielle x
This is gorgeous, lovely! So majestic :D
ReplyDeletewww.maireem.blogspot.com
Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteGabrielle x
What a lovely place! I love the vast greeneries around Arundel Castle! Makes it a great place to unwind and be one with Mother Nature! :) xo~ Lena
ReplyDeletewww.felinecreatures.com
What a beautiful way of putting it Lena, you've described exactly what was so relaxing about Arundel Castle :)
DeleteGabrielle x
The one thing that I truly love about Europe is the amazing collection of castles that are available for visits. I also love that there are more pictures of you on the blog, Gabrielle. You have such a pretty face and it's lovely to see more of you here.
ReplyDeleteShireen | Reflection of Sanity
My fingers are crossed there's more than one thing you love about Europe ;) Joking aside though, you make a good point, there's a lot of history to uncover! You're so kind for saying so Shireen, thank you - you've made my day :)
DeleteGabrielle x
Wow what a gorgeous place!
ReplyDeleteRedLip&Love
So glad you think so too!
DeleteGabrielle x
Wow! So gorgeous. I love how easy it can be to find new things to see without having to get on a plane. I think that about my state and region in the US a lot. Even my city. It's fun to be a local tourist sometimes. :) XO -Alexandra
ReplyDeleteSimply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
I don't often think about it that way, but you make a very valid point.. and one I should remind myself of more often! Thanks for your comment, Alexandra!
DeleteGabrielle x
Hello Gaby! I love castles! I am actually staying in one (not quite as splendid and big as Arundel's but super cute) this summer while visiting Italy and I can't wait for the moment to arrive. Arundel's castle seems to be the kind of place we Americans only see in movies and that I would love to visit one day. Visiting England is on my bucket list and I will definitively contact you for advice when the time arrives. Love the peasant top you are wearing and you look super beautiful as always. Your hair is so pretty and long!!! Hugs and kisses your way Gaby! Jeannette
ReplyDeletewww.msjeannieandhercloset.com
Hey Jeannette! How exciting that you'll be staying in a castle when visiting Italy later in the year, I know you'll have a fabulous time :) I'm glad Arundel Castle has made it on to your bucket list and yes of course, I'd be more than happy to help you out when the time arrives!
Deleteps. thanks so much for your sweet compliments
Gabrielle x
Always wanted to go there. Nice shots.
ReplyDeleteAlexander @ Mr Essentialist
I hope you make it there at some point!
DeleteGabrielle x
Great post! This place looks beautiful. :-)
ReplyDeleteApril xx
APRIL ROSE PENGILLY
Thanks April!
DeleteGabrielle x
Woow!!! This place looks sooo beautiful Xxx
ReplyDeletehttp://itsjustwinnie.blogspot.co.uk/
Glad you think so as well, Winfred, I really enjoyed my day there!
DeleteGabrielle x
Beyond GORGEOUS!! Holy Hannah, I want to go there so bad. I love castles and being able to actually walk in the beautiful gardens of one is one of my dreams. I have to agree with you those last 3-4 photos are so dreamy and perfect. That water fountain...the stuff fairytales are made of. le sigh... If I lived by this place I'd probably be taking photos every day for outfit posts and the such. Such a fairytale. I love your outfit by the way, really love your blouse.
ReplyDeleteRegina
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Haha I love your enthusiasm Margarita. There's certainly something attractive about walking through the grounds/gardens of a castle and it doesn't get any dreamier than water fountains! Oh thank you, it's by H&M :)
DeleteGabrielle x
Beautiful castle and gardens, I've visited many castles in Yorkshire but not down south, I'd love to visit this castle in the future :) xo
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as though we need to swap for a week - I'm yet to visit many places in Yorkshire!
DeleteGabrielle x